In Liberia, health practitioners, particularly pharmacists, face numerous challenges that are undermining their ability to effectively contribute to the healthcare system. Newly licensed pharmacists have encountered significant delays in their integration into the Ministry of Health, leading to uncertainty over their employment status and prolonged delays in salary payments. These circumstances have resulted in many graduates being left in a state of limbo for several months, prompting urgent calls to action from various stakeholders to ensure that these essential professionals receive fair compensation and are fully integrated into the healthcare workforce. The issues raised reflect broader systemic challenges within the healthcare sector, including poor working conditions and inadequate government support for healthcare professionals.
The Pharmacists Association of Liberia (PAL), represented by its President Dr. Juwe D. Kercula, has been particularly vocal about these issues, emphasizing the negative impact that salary delays have on morale among young pharmacists. According to Kercula, these delays not only demotivate newly licensed pharmacists but also hinder their ability to contribute effectively to the health sector. He urges the Ministry of Health, along with the Civil Service Agency and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, to take decisive action to integrate pharmacists into the workforce and ensure timely salary payments. The association is also advocating for a reevaluation and reclassification of pharmacists’ salaries, as current discrepancies in pay hinder recognition of their professional status.
At the celebration of World Pharmacists Day on September 25, 2024, which carried the theme “Pharmacists Meeting Global Health Needs,” Kercula underscored the crucial role pharmacists play in securing equitable access to medications. He pointed out that despite a year’s implementation of free medical dispensaries, real accessibility remains a distant goal. To address this gap, he called for the introduction of drug revolving funds that would allow patients to obtain medications at manageable costs. Kercula’s comments reflect a recognition of pharmacists not just as dispensers of medicine but as vital players in the broader healthcare landscape, tasked with ensuring the safe and effective use of medications.
Senator Thomas Yaya Nimely, Co-Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, also underscored the importance of pharmacists to the healthcare system during the World Pharmacists Day observance. His remarks emphasized the enhanced performance of hospitals that feature strong pharmacist support, pointing to the value of collaborative efforts between pharmacists and physicians in addressing patient health needs. The Senator further encouraged pharmacists to engage in political advocacy to ensure that their professional concerns are prioritized. This reflects an understanding that active participation in the political realm can potentially lead to improved conditions and support for pharmacists and healthcare practitioners more broadly.
Dr. Cuallau Jabbeh Howe, Assistant Minister of Preventive Services at the Ministry of Health, echoed the sentiments expressed regarding the pivotal role of pharmacists within health service delivery. Acknowledging the significant contributions that pharmacists make, she highlighted the centrality of their expertise in addressing ongoing supply chain challenges within the healthcare system. Dr. Howe encouraged pharmacists to collaborate actively with other healthcare professionals to devise strategies for improving access to medications and ensuring that healthcare facilities are well-stocked with essential drugs. Such collaboration is vital for creating a responsive health system capable of meeting the medical needs of the population effectively.
At the event, Dr. James D. K. Goteh, the Director of Pharmacovigilance and Clinical Trials at the Liberia Medicines & Health Products Regulatory Authority (LMHRA), also recognized pharmacists’ critical impact on the healthcare system. His remarks reinforced the notion that the role of pharmacists extends well beyond simple medication dispensing—their responsibilities have expanded to include essential aspects of patient care, regulatory compliance, and public health advocacy. Dr. Goteh expressed commitment from LMHRA to support PAL’s initiatives, acknowledging that a coordinated approach is necessary to address the myriad of challenges facing pharmacists and the healthcare system in Liberia.
The day concluded with a symbolic parade commemorating pharmacists’ invaluable contributions to healthcare, illustrating a collective effort by healthcare professionals to advocate for better working conditions, adequate compensation, and more effective health service delivery. While the challenges faced by newly licensed pharmacists and healthcare workers in Liberia remain significant, the voiced concerns from various stakeholders reflect a growing recognition of the need for systemic reforms that prioritize the integration and support of these essential professionals within the healthcare system. The commitment shown by both health practitioners and policymakers is a crucial step towards enhancing the overall health landscape in Liberia and ensuring that all citizens have access to the medications and healthcare services they need.
